Sandal toe cover apparatus and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an accessory for women&#39;s shoes, particularly sandals, for enabling women with unsightly toes to disguise them behind a toe cover apparatus that may adapt to such shoes. In one embodiment, a sandal toe cover apparatus comprises a cover portion; an attachment means comprising double-sided tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon for attaching the sandal toe cover apparatus to a sandal; a least one decorative element comprising a rope or a cord, on a top surface of the cover portion, positioned adjacent to the attachment means; a padding layer comprising one of a soft cloth or felt on a back surface of the sandal toe cover apparatus; and a set of patterns visually displayed on a bottom side of the sandal toe cover apparatus, for identifying lines to cut out a shape or design of the cover portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/470,856 entitled “Sandal Toe Cover Apparatus and Methods Thereof,” filed Apr. 1, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a sandal toe cover apparatus and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an accessory for women's shoes, particularly sandals, for enabling women with unsightly toes to disguise them behind a toe cover apparatus that may adapt to such shoes.

2. Description of Related Art

It is not uncommon for men and women to have unsightly toes. The cause for such “not-so-pretty” feet can include boils, blisters, corns, fungal infections, athlete's foot, or the like. In fact, depending on who is asked, a woman who failed to get a timely pedicure may be embarrassed by her toes and not wish for them to be seen by anyone. While many people who suffer from unsightly feet may generally opt for wearing full coverage footwear (e.g., sneakers, boat shoes, etc.), during warmer months, or with certain clothing, full coverage footwear may be a fashion faux pas.

As such, there is a need for a sandal toe cover apparatus and methods thereof, and more specifically, an accessory for women's shoes, particularly sandals, for enabling women with unsightly toes to disguise them behind a toe cover apparatus that may adapt to such shoes.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a sandal toe cover apparatus and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an accessory for women's shoes, particularly sandals, for enabling women with unsightly toes to disguise them behind a toe cover apparatus that may adapt to such shoes.

In one embodiment, a sandal toe cover apparatus comprises a cover portion, and an attachment means for attaching the sandal toe cover apparatus to a sandal.

In another embodiment, a sandal toe cover apparatus comprises a cover portion, an attachment means for attaching the sandal toe cover apparatus to a sandal, a least one decorative element on a top surface of the cover portion, and a padding layer on a back surface of the sandal toe cover apparatus.

In yet another embodiment, a sandal toe cover apparatus comprises a cover portion; an attachment means comprising double-sided tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon for attaching the sandal toe cover apparatus to a sandal; a least one decorative element comprising a rope or a cord, on a top surface of the cover portion, positioned adjacent to the attachment means; a padding layer comprising one of a soft cloth or felt on a back surface of the sandal toe cover apparatus; and a set of patterns visually displayed on a bottom side of the sandal toe cover apparatus, for identifying lines to cut out a shape or design of the cover portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So the manner in which the above-recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is described below with references to the Figures illustrated in the appended drawings. The Figures in the appended drawings, like the detailed description, illustrate only examples of embodiments. As such, the Figures and the detailed description are not to be considered limiting, and other equally effective examples are possible and likely, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a photograph of a pair of sandals and a sandal toe cover apparatus from a top view in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a photograph of a pair of sandals and a sandal toe cover apparatus from a front view in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a photograph of a pair of sandals and a sandal toe cover apparatus positioned on each sandal in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 depicts a photograph of a pair of sandals and a sandal toe cover apparatus positioned on each sandal, being worn by a user, in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include,” “including,” and “includes” mean “including but not limited to.” To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments or other examples described herein. However, it will be understood that these examples may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail, so as to not obscure the following description. Further, the examples disclosed herein are for exemplary purposes only and other examples may be employed in lieu of, or in combination with, the examples disclosed. It should also be noted that the examples presented herein should not be construed as limiting of the scope of embodiments of the present invention, as other equally effective examples are possible and likely.

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a sandal toe cover apparatus and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an accessory for women's shoes, particularly sandals, for enabling women with unsightly toes to disguise them behind a toe cover apparatus that may adapt to such shoes.

FIG. 1 depicts a photograph of a pair of sandals and a sandal toe cover apparatus from a top view in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the Figure, a pair of women's sandals is shown with a sandal toe cover apparatus 100. The sandal on the right side of the photograph is a typical woman's sandal, having a sole portion for putting a foot thereon, and a strap portion which would extend over the top of the foot and allow the user to wear the sandal without it falling off in most instances. As generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, when such types of shoes are worn, the user's toes would be visible assuming the sandal is the proper size for the user. For example, as shown in the Figure, the sandal on the right exposes the toe portion of the sandal (i.e., the front potion thereof).

The sandal toe cover apparatus 100 generally comprises a cover portion 110 and an attachment means 120. The cover portion 110 may comprise any type of material suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In many embodiments, the cover portion 110 may comprise the same material as the strap of the sandal. In other embodiments, the cover portion 110 may comprise of leather, suede, cloth, microfiber, patent leather, vinyl, or the like. In further embodiments, any type of decorative material may be suitable for embodiments of the present invention, regardless of their common use with clothing or footwear (e.g., types of polymers, etc.).

In many embodiments the shape of the cover portion 110 may generally follow the shape of the toe portion of the sandal. In other embodiments the cover portion 110 may comprise any general shape for either functional or aesthetic purposes. For example, the cover portion 110 may comprise a shape substantially representing a rectangle, square, octagon, triangle, half circle, half oval, or the like.

In addition to the shape, the general size of the cover portion may vary as well. For example, a sandal toe cover apparatus designed for a woman's size 5 sandal will not likely be suitable for a woman's size 9, extra wide, sandal. As such, the cover portion 110 may be designed for a specific shoe size (e.g., size 7, normal width), or for ranges of shoe sizes (e.g., small, medium, large, etc.).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, it may be desirable for a user to create a specific size or shape of the cover portion of the sandal toe cover apparatus. In such an embodiment, the cover portion may be provided sufficiently large such that a user could cut a specific size, shape or the like from the general cover portion. For example, if a woman had a blister on her big toe, positioned near the metatarsal bone, she may not need to cover her entire toes, just a small portion of her toes, and therefore may cut the cover portion to be quite narrow.

The attachment means 120 generally comprises any mechanical or chemical attachment mechanism suitable for embodiments of the present invention to either temporarily or permanently affix the sandal toe cover apparatus to the sandal, such that it will not likely be removable until the user so desires to remove it. In certain embodiments, where the attachment means 120 comprises a mechanical attachment, the attachment means 120 may comprise stitching, fasteners, rivets, snaps, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) and the like.

In other embodiments, the attachment means 120 may comprise an adhesive suitable for embodiments of the present invention (i.e., suitable to be used on clothing and/or footwear). In one embodiment, the attachment means 120 may comprise a non-reactive adhesive, such as a drying adhesive (e.g. white glue, contact adhesives, rubber cement, polymer dispersion adhesives, or the like), either a permanent or removable pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a contact adhesive, a hot melt adhesive (e.g., thermoplastic glue), similar non-reactive adhesives, combinations thereof, or the like. In another embodiment, the attachment means 120 may comprise a reactive adhesive, such as an epoxy or acrylic adhesive. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in the Figure, the attachment means 120 may be provided in the form of a double-sided tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon.

In addition to the core elements of the sandal toe cover apparatus 100 (i.e., the cover portion 110 and the attachment means 120), the sandal toe cover apparatus 100 may optionally comprise any number of decorative elements as well. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a rope or cord may be placed across the cover portion 110 adjacent to the attachment means. When affixed to the strap of the sandal, the rope or cord may aligns adjacent to the strap and creates an aesthetic appearance that may be preferred over a basic cover portion. Additional decorative elements may include any type of aesthetically pleasing design capable of being set on the cover portion. For example, any type of design patterns, stones/jewels, logos, symbols, sports indicia, or the like, may be affixed or printed on the cover portion. Similarly, the cover portion may comprise a decorative material (e.g., having a pre-printed pattern thereon).

Another optional element of the sandal toe cover apparatus comprises a piece of material (not shown) on a back surface of the sandal toe cover apparatus 100 for padding or protection for the user's foot. For example, the piece of material may comprise a soft cloth, felt, or the like, for comfort when touching the user's foot.

FIG. 2 depicts a photograph of a pair of sandals and a sandal toe cover apparatus from a front view in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the Figure, the sandal on the right comprises the sandal toe cover apparatus, while the sandal on the left does not. Although very similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the view of the embodiment in FIG. 2 shows more clearly the decorative nature of the sandal toe cover apparatus when affixed to the strap of the sandal.

FIG. 3 depicts a photograph of a pair of sandals and a sandal toe cover apparatus positioned on each sandal in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the Figure, when a sandal toe cover apparatus is placed on each sandal, it becomes difficult for an individual to identify that an additional apparatus is placed on the shoe to hide the user's toes. Rather, in many embodiments, the seamlessness of the appearance will likely cause a belief that the shoes were originally designed by their manufacturer to have such an appearance.

FIG. 4 depicts a photograph of a pair of sandals and a sandal toe cover apparatus positioned on each sandal, being worn by a user, in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the Figure, when a sandal toe cover apparatus is utilized, a significant portion of the user's toes can be hidden thereunder.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the sandal toe cover apparatus may be packaged in pairs or sets to allow a user to change up the look of his or her shoes with the sandal toe cover apparatus. Generally, because the sandal toe cover apparatus may be provided in nearly any color, design or style, the opportunities for mixing and matching it with various shoe designs may be endless, depending on a person's taste or style.

In one exemplary commercial embodiment, the sandal toe cover apparatus may be provided in a cardboard package with clear plastic front showing the color and/or design of the cover portion. Generally, at least two sandal toe cover apparatuses are provided within the package, one for each shoe. In many embodiments, as described above, the packages would be provided in one of three sizes: small, medium and large, although extra-small, extra-large, wide, etc., may also be options. The backside of the cardboard packaging may generally comprise instructions for adapting and affixing the sandal toe cover apparatus to a shoe. In certain embodiments, the package would include the attachment means in the form of two strips of double sided tape that can be affixed to both the shoe toe cover apparatus and an under side of a strap of a shoe.

In one embodiment, to fit the sandal toe cover apparatus 100 to a user's shoe, there may be a pattern or set of patterns drawn on a back side of the sandal toe cover apparatus 100, along which a user may cut out the shape or design of the cover portion. In many embodiments, the user may have a general idea where she may wish for the cover portion to extend, but no sure how to cut it. By flipping over a sandal toe cover apparatus 100 and holding it in place (upside down) in the opposite shoe in which it would be affixed, the user could decide which pattern she would like to choose to cut along. When flipped right side up, the shape will be proper (or desirable) for the other shoe. The same may be done for the other sandal toe cover apparatus, and then both will fit their respective sandals as desired.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. Furthermore, whereas the multitude of embodiments disclosed herein each provides a variety of elements within each embodiment, it should be appreciated any combination of elements from any combination of embodiments is well within the scope of further embodiments of the present invention. 

1. A sandal toe cover apparatus comprising: a cover portion; and an attachment means for attaching the sandal toe cover apparatus to a sandal.
 2. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover portion comprises the same material as the sandal.
 3. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cover portion comprises one of leather, suede, cloth, microfiber, patent leather, or vinyl.
 4. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover portion comprises a front edge that substantially follows the shape of a front edge of a toe portion of the sandal.
 5. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises either a mechanical or chemical attachment mechanism.
 6. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 5, wherein the attachment means may comprise one of stitching, fasteners, rivets, snaps, or hook and loop fasteners.
 7. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 5, wherein the attachment comprises one of a non-reactive adhesive, a permanent or removable pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a contact adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, a reactive adhesive, an epoxy, an acrylic adhesive, or combinations thereof.
 8. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 5, wherein the attachment means comprises double-sided tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon.
 9. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 1, further comprises a least one decorative element on a top surface of the cover portion.
 10. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 9, wherein the decorative element comprises one of a rope or cord, positioned adjacent to the attachment means.
 11. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 9, wherein the decorative element comprises one of a design pattern, stones, jewels, logos, symbols, sports indicia, or combinations thereof.
 12. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a padding layer on a back surface of the sandal toe cover apparatus.
 13. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 12, wherein the padding layer comprises one of a soft cloth or felt.
 14. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a set of patterns visually displayed on a bottom side of the sandal toe cover apparatus, for identifying lines to cut out a shape or design of the cover portion.
 15. A sandal toe cover apparatus comprising: a cover portion; an attachment means for attaching the sandal toe cover apparatus to a sandal; a least one decorative element on a top surface of the cover portion; and a padding layer on a back surface of the sandal toe cover apparatus.
 16. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 15, wherein the attachment means comprises double-sided tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon.
 17. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 15, wherein the decorative element comprises one of a rope or cord, positioned adjacent to the attachment means.
 18. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 15, wherein the padding layer comprises one of a soft cloth or felt.
 19. The sandal toe cover apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a set of patterns visually displayed on a bottom side of the sandal toe cover apparatus, for identifying lines to cut out a shape or design of the cover portion.
 20. A sandal toe cover apparatus comprising: a cover portion; an attachment means comprising double-sided tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon for attaching the sandal toe cover apparatus to a sandal; a least one decorative element comprising a rope or a cord, on a top surface of the cover portion, positioned adjacent to the attachment means; a padding layer comprising one of a soft cloth or felt on a back surface of the sandal toe cover apparatus; and a set of patterns visually displayed on a bottom side of the sandal toe cover apparatus, for identifying lines to cut out a shape or design of the cover portion. 